Democratic Republic of the Congo

Smokefree legislation/initiatives

The DRC has ratified the FCTC but has not yet drafted national tobacco control legislation. In July 2007 a ministerial decree established a ban on smoking in public places, public transport, etc. However, when viewed against the Article 8 guidelines adopted at COP3, this decree is insufficient and needs to be improved. Also, weak sensitization/public education efforts are a challenge to the proper implementation of the decree. However in health facilities and school establishments, where smoke-free campaigns were conducted, Article 8 is already being implemented.

Smokefree resources available in 2009

At an FCA training that brought together NGOs and national tobacco control focal points from Central Africa in Kinshasa, in December 2007, the five NGOs from DRC put into place a Congolese network for Tobacco Control (RCCT) in order to work in synergy. Currently the network is in the process of identifying other NGOs from DRC who work on tobacco control issues. RCCT works with the Focal Point for Tobacco Control in DRC, Mr. Rigobert Mbuyu who is also the Director of the National Program for Drug Addiction through the Ministry of Health in the DRC. http://blogsofbainbridge.typepad.com/patrick/

Public education materials/implementation or enforcement materials

The media is the main channel for raising public awareness around the implementation of the FCTC.

Needs related to implementing smokefree policies

Tobacco control measures.
The elaboration and application of tobacco control legislation
Technical, logistic, and financial assistance for the implementation of policy.

Factors helping or hindering the implementation of Article 8

Helping
Availability of NGOs, the Ministry of Health and other engaged experts.
Existence of expertise at the local level.
Hindering
Tobacco control has not yet been identified as a priority.
Weak means of implementing the FCTC.
Few financial resources for tobacco control activities.

Famous quotes

The only ’safer’ cigarette is your last one.Duane Alan Hahn
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You own yourself, so if you want to do something that destroys yourself, go ahead. Just don’t harm others when you do.Jim Goebel
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To see what is right, and not do it, is want of courage, or of principle.Confucius
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If you resolve to give up smoking, drinking and loving, you don’t actually live longer; it just seems longer. Clement Freud
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Smoking is a custom loathsome to the eye, hateful to the nose, harmful to the brain, dangerous to the lungs, and in the black, stinking fume thereof nearest resembling the horrible Stygian smoke of the pit that is bottomless.King James I of England
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Smoking kills. If you’re killed, you’ve lost a very important part of your life. Brooke Shields
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I’ll tell you why I like the cigarette business. It cost a penny to make. Sell it for a dollar. It’s addictive. And there’s a fantastic brand loyalty.Warren Buffett
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If you resolve to give up smoking, drinking and loving, you don’t actually live longer; it just seems longer. Clement Freud
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Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I’ve done it thousands of times.Mark TwainRead more stop smoking quotes